Spirit Slate Writing and Kindred Phenomena

audiobook

Spirit Slate Writing and Kindred Phenomena

by Chung Ling Soo

EN·~3 hours

Chapters

Description

Delve into the world of late‑Victorian séances, where the mysterious “slate writing” test captured imaginations and promised messages from beyond. Drawing on decades of experience as a stage illusionist and confidant of famed magicians, the author unpacks the subtle mechanics behind these seemingly impossible feats. He shows how a simple flap, a concealed piece of paper, or a cleverly timed drop can turn ordinary slate into a conduit for fabricated spirits, all while the audience remains convinced of the supernatural.

The text balances careful respect for sincere believers with a relentless drive to expose deception. By walking readers through several classic setups—complete with vivid illustrations—you’ll learn how a medium’s quick wit and practiced misdirection can outsmart even the most skeptical observer. Whether you’re a curious history buff or a budding magician, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the tricks that defined an era of spiritualism, inviting you to see past the illusion and understand the art of the con.

Details

Language

en

Duration

~3 hours (179K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Credits

Produced by deaurider, John Campbell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)

Release date

2020-04-19

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

Chung Ling Soo

Chung Ling Soo

1861–1918

Known for one of magic’s most elaborate stage personas, this American illusionist built an international career by performing as “Chung Ling Soo,” a character presented as a mysterious Chinese conjurer. His life ended as dramatically as one of his acts, cementing his place in stage magic history.

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